Electrical terminal clasp connector



Sept. 26, 1950 N M. A. GRAHAM 2,523,465

ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CLASP CONNECTOR Filed June 4, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet I N INVENTOR MAXWELL. A. ERA HAM ATTORNEY p 1950 M. A. GRAHAM 2,523,465

ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CLASP CONNECTOR Filed June 4, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Has 2 7 5 i FIGJZ 1\\\\ FIG MAXWELL, HAM

duce a complete fitting.

Patented Sept. 26, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE *ELECTRICALTE'RMINAL CLASP CONNECTOR,

FMaxwell -A. Graham, Elizabeth, N. .L, ,assignor to .The Thomas & Betts (10., Elizabeth, N. J., a cor- ;noration of New Jersey Application June i, 1947-Serial No. 752,444

This invention relates to electrical connectors and more particularly to improvements in .respect to the duplicate-form type or class thereof known in the art to comprisea pair-of identical spect to their electric contacting portions by which to achieve 'more efficient current trans- .mission.

Experience with connector-s of said duplicate-form typ indicates that they lack an effective electrical contacting means which functions independently of "their mechanical connecting means.

Thus it'is a purpose of this invention to produce a simpletwo-partduplicate-form quick-disconnect electrical fitting having joining or clasping portions which possess a dual-connecting function, the two primary features of which include a first means for producing a sustained spring-loaded pressure engagement to "establish .an effective electrical contact for transmitting current, together'with a second means for making a mechanical connection for holding the two parts together against strain, and wherein the two means operate to supplement each other but function independently.

The foregoing combination of the two primary features affords a latitude in selecting manufacturing tolerance, especially .so in respect .to the first means controlling the degree of tension of the spring-loaded portion of the terminal Which acts to make the electrical connection. In other words, the manufacturer may select and build into this new terminal a chosen degree of resilient Spring-loaded tension which is best (adapted to the particular use to be served by .a manuiacturcd lot of the connectorsehaving regard to size of the fitting and purposes served in the fie1dwithout altering the positiveness of its mechanical connecting means. It is found that this feature is important linrespect to the duplicate-form type 'ofterminals in general and increases the utility thereof.

Another purpose is to produce an electrical connector of the duplicate-form type (embody- .15 Claims. (01.28%:76?)

2 resistance "function which produces an audibl click or .pronounced-snap as two of the terminals are manually engaged and disengaged, thereby indicating bysonnd, :as well as by feel imparted to onesfingers-that the two parts are in finally connected position. This audible feature is important where wiring installations and connections to be made are not visible to amnchanic and hemust sometimes reach forfas-well as feel out and"hear the connection and disconnectionbeing made.

A further purpose is to produce a duplicateform two-part electrical connector, each terminal of-which is arranged inits structural contour that two thereof can Lbe plugged together solely and only in correct relation to establish ra. connection. This provision makes-the connector fool-proof and inhibits its use :other than in accordance with-the mode of operation as particularly featured in the next above paragraph. This purpose .of the invention is carried ou'tby a modified form of the invention.

THE DRAWINGS The description herein and the accompanying drawings explain the principle of the invention, point .out its vmain purposes, present it as ;pre ferred :at this time, demonstrate its features :in order-to disclose the scope of the invention, thus suggesting further examples which may develop .out of ,and .occur to :others from the teachings herein, and also-aid in understanding the prob- V lems-soughtto be solved.

in t e foreg ng features) having a camming- Sheet '1 of the drawings illustrates the structural formbfa single terminal, two .of whichare required to make .a complete electrical terminal clasp connector as shown on Sheet 2.

Eig."-1.Sh0WS- aplan or vface view, being themside contact faceof the terminal.

Fig. '2 shows an elevation of the outer end, that is, thewire-receiving sleeve-end of theterminal.

Fig. -3 shows a transverse section on theline 53-43, which may be viewed from Figs. 1 and 5, looking toward the inner end :of the terminal.

Fig. 4 shows :a transverse section on the .line h s looking toward :the outer or wire-receiving sleeve-end of the terminal but omitting sai'cl sleeve-end for clarity.

It is observed that Figs. 3 and 4 are so placed on the drawing that the inside electrical con tacting surface of 'theterminal'in each view faces the :other.

Fig. 5 shows a side elevation of the terminal;

.and ,Fig. 6 is a mid-longitudinal section thereof.

Fig. 7 illustrates a modified construction (a second form) of the twin terminal which is characterized by its non-symmetrical shape in respect to certain portions thereof. This feature serves positively to prevent two of the identical terminals from so much as preliminarily interengaging. It fulfills the last above mentioned purpose concerning the fool-proof characteristics of the ter minal.

Sheet 2 of the drawings shows action-views illustrating in sequence the manual operations (say three) performed and the positions reached when manipulating two of the duplicate-form or twin terminals into assembled relation to make a complete electrical connector.

Fig. 8 shows a side elevation of the two terminals spaced apart in aligned position ready to be preliminarily engaged.

Fig. 9 also shows a side elevation, but the two terminals now are in actual preliminary engaged position, before displacing them longitudinally and relative to each other, and before snapping them into final clasp-connected relation. Thus, Fig. 9 shows the first position.

Fig. 10 is a side elevation showing that the two terminals have been displaced lengthwise on each other and brought to a position ready to be (but before being) snapped together in final connected relation. This is the second position.

The next three views show the third position of the two duplicate-form terminals in finally clasp-connected relationby which is attained the dual connection heretofore emphasized, that is, a mechanical joinder and an electrical connection, each supplementing the function of the other but acting independently, as hereinafter more fully explained.

Fig. 11 shows a plan view of Fig. 10 but after the two terminals have been snapped together in final connected relation.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view of a mid-longitudinal section of the connector in final position, the same as in Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is a transverse section on the line !3l3 of Figs. 11 and 12.

It is seen that the latter two views are drawn to a scale much larger than previous views. Such illustration is for the purpose of clarity of those structural portions which provide the previously mentioned camming-resistance function for imparting the feel and audible snap when connecting and disconnecting a pair of the terminals. Furthermore, the two enlarged views show the several sustained spring-loaded pressure engaging areas constituting the outside and inside contact surfaces of the two joined terminals.

The drawings illustrate the invention by showing what is known as a splice or a line connector, that is, one for joining two wire ends. However, it will be appreciated that the invention also is adapted to other types of connectors of the lug form, the eyelet type, etc., for panel, instrument, and machine-wiring installations where splicing as such is not required.

The single terminal illustrated (Sheet 1) as an example of the invention, and the pair thereof as sembled to produce a complete connector (Sheet 2), is drawn from specimens produced and tested,

the drawings being set out to approximate scale.

Structural form of single terminal on Sheet 1 Further reference now is made to the drawings for a more detailed description of the illustrated 4 example of the invention. One of the terminals is first described (Sheet 1) and thereafter the assembly of a pair of such terminals (Sheet 2) will be explained in connection with the new mode of operation and enhanced utility of the connector.

The electrical terminal includes a substantially straight bar in the form of a shank 2 with a wirereceiving sleeve 3 carried on its outer end. An electrical conductor or Wire W is shown (Figs. 5 and 8) as being secured to the outer end (the sleeve 3) of the terminal in any known manner.

The method of providing a suitable form of wire-receiving means, in the form of a sleeve 3, on the outer end of the terminal shank 2 may be adopted from the Thomas, Jr., Patent 2,275,163 showing a known form of electrical connector manufactured and. sold under the registered trade-mark Sta-Kon by the same assignee as herein. Reference also is made to this patent for an understanding of one satisfactory method of establishing a solderless connection between the wire W and the sleeve 3 on the outer end of the terminal 2. The connector herein is new in respect to its inner end portion, as will be seen from this description and its drawings or by actual use of the connector, as further explained in reference to its new principles and mode of operation.

The terminal shank 2 as a whole is made of nominally hard metallic bar stock which is tempered to resist any tendency to bend permanently out of shape when subjected to service and also to impart resiliency for obtaining a degree of flexure by which to tension its inner contacting end portion.

A pair of hook-like clasps, in the form of ears 4, is formed on oppostie edges of the shank 2 inwardly of the wire-receiving sleeve 3. The portion of the terminal comprising its inner end is set at an angle and also deformed or conveXed to produce a bowed resilient portion 5 which is curved away from the clasping ears 4 and away from the plane of the shank 2. In other words, the inner end 5 of the terminal is bowed away from the axis of the wire-receiving sleeve 3 and hence away from the longitudinal axis of the shank 2.

The bowed resilient portion 5 is provided with a pair of cut-outs forming a reduced neck 6 opposite each other on the two side edges of the shank adjacent the ears 4, said cut-outs and ears being disposed symmetrically in relation to the lengthwise axis of the shank 2. A flat imperforate contact head I also is formed at the inner or far end of the bowed portion 5. The contact head 1 has a transverse length slightly more than the width of the bowed shank portion 5 and thus provides a pair of abutmentlatching shoulders 8 near the inner end of the terminal at its side edges.

Next, it is seen that a boss in the form of an oval rib 3 is raised on the inside surface of the bowed resilient portion 5 adjacent the clasping ears 4. In other words, the rib 9 is located in the reduced neck portion 6 formed between the two cut-out notches. Such rib has a length somewhat greater than its height above the surface of the bowed shank portion 5 and is disposed transversely of the longitudinal axis of the terminal as a whole. The transverse rib 9 is contoured or ovaled to form a camming surface.

As later seen, the rib 9 provides for the camming-resistance action heretofore emphasized in connection with the audible click produced by a pair of terminals 2 when they are placed together and snapped into final connected relaaseagees' tion; Thisrib is formed on the inside contact-- ing-surfaceof'the terminal (the surface. facing the-ear pair 4 by swaging the outside surfaceof the-shank inward, thereby leaving on said" outsidesurface a depression which is the counter partof' the oval r-ib' raised on the inner surface ofthe shank, as in Figs. 3, Land 6'.

Theclasping or retaining ears l are formed up' from the edges-of the'shank 2a distance spaced:

somewhat greater than the thickness. of: the shank material and are rigid or stiff with the shank. In other words, the inside contact surface of the shank 2 and underneath contact surfaceoftherigid ears fl fa'ce each other and are disposed in parallel planes which are spaced apart a= distance greater than thethickness of the material ofwhich the terminal is made. For example, said spacing may be about oneand one.- half (1 /2) I times the thicknessof the shank: for achieving good performance when connecting two ofthese terminals together.

Next, it' is explained that the width of' the cut-out neck 6 has its parallel edges spaced apart slightly less than the distance between the formed" up ears 4. The cut-out neck 6- may have its parallel edges curvedbutward; as showmto merge with the base of-the ears l that is, to meet the side edges of the shank 2 at or near the inner ends ofthe-ears. Note also that theinner corners of the ears 4 may be relieved or rounded. off, as shown. Thus; the twoears 4 and the'two cut out notches 6 are of symmetrical form, as distinguished from the modified type of terminal shown in Fig. 7' and later described;

B'y'reason of the foregoing structural features, it f'oll'ows that a pair of theseduplicate-form terminals 2 can be placedor clasped together by V principle.

passing the cut-out neck fi of ea'ch terminal into position betweenthe ears 4: of'the'other. This isaobserved in Figs. 8 and 9'wheretwo. of the terminals are being initially'pla'ced, each within the other; It is observedthat theiinside contact. surfaces of thetwo-terminals are facing each other; while their outside contact surfaces are turned away from each other. 7

The'chanacteristics of" the bowed resilient end portion 5 of the terminal. are best understood by examiningrFig. 5; 1 It is observedthat-ta dot-anddash. reference line IE! coincides withv andrepresents the: plane ofl'theinsid'e contacting surface? of the shank 2. Then let a second reference line' H; which: coincides with: the flat contact surface of. the terminal head 1', represent the angular relation. between the plane ID of the inside surface of' the shank 2 and the plane 12 of.

the contact surface I. The vertex. of the angle included by thetwo reference lines H1 and I2 is located at or: proximate the inner end of the ear 4-, but. such location is by way of example'andis not critical? In the illustrated example of the invention, the included angle. between the two above explained reference lines land [2 may approximate two andronerhalf (2 degrees. Thisangular relation isnotcritical but is found to impart effectivespring-loading tension and to result in good: performance when. joining two of these:

terminals to complete an electrical connection; having: therdual-function connection. heretofore:

shank: or; even a 'little greater; This angular arra'ngem'ent and the contour drop of the bowed end 5' provideeffectiveoperation when two of the twinterminalsare manipulated into final clasp-connectedrelation. Such arrangement a1- so afiords flexure of the resilient bowed portion E as'it compressively spring-loads with sustained tension in coactirrg with the inside *contact'surface of another terminal shank 2 and with the clasping-hook ears 4 of the latter when interlocked therewith.

. The resiliently andangularly-disposed bowed portion 5 is adapted to spring or flex and com- (press (tends to flatten out) toward and on theplane IO- (Fig. 5) and hence against the inside contact surface of the shank 2 of another termin al this by virtue of a compressing and en'- ergizing action applied to said bow 5 by said other terminal as next described. The flexing fulcrum" of the inner bowed end -5'is proximate the vertex of the reference-plane lines If and I2 adjacent'the inner ends of'the rigid ears '4. It" is seen that these cars hook inward toward each other over the inside surface of the shank 2 and arespaced apart a distance at least equal to' or may be greater than the width of the symmetri cal cut-out neck 6.

Operationv nd utility, Sheet 2 As stated before, Figs. 9, 10 and 11 demonstrate the three-step manipulating sequence when joining a pair of the duplicate-form doublecontacting surface terminals heretofore described, and the otherviewssupplement'my ex planation of the new functionand operating brought together by..relative perpendicular mo;

tion to. pass the cutfl-out. neck 6 of each-terminalthrough the spaced ears i of said eachtermie, nal (Fig.9). NOW it is seen thatthe two ovaled. transverse. ribs 9 arespaced. from. each other, andthat the two terminals are. loosely and preliminarily placed one into the other the first. position: (Fig. 9 q

Thereupon; and secondly, the two terminal shanks are given a pull. along their length? Wise axes (moving away from. eachother) to separate their ears 4 and tobring together their: ribs 9. This is accomplished. by holding the outer:

end of each sleeve 3. inaeach hand As the ears d'freely move-apart-(from Fig.- 9 to Fig. 10 posieachother and finally come into abutting rela tion with the first feel of resistance; to furtherseparating lmotionl Thus the ear pair '4' on one terminal retreats from the ear pair on the other, while the two ribs G'approach each. other during the second manipulationthis being a char-- acteristic-which is new in structural form and operation for electrical connectors of the duplicate-form class.

It is nowv .seenthat each bowed resilient por-' tion 5rs'lidesunder pressure into position under the respective clasping ears 4 and is tensioned. byreason of theoutside' contact surface'of. each said bowed (portion crowding under and-partiallyilattening out (reducing its bow) against the inside contact surface of each of the two rigid ears on .both terminals 2. The rigid ears 4 of both terminals cause the inner end portions 5 of said terminals to flex at the vertices of the contact planes l and 12 on said terminals, thus urging the two imperforate or solid contact heads 1 into coincidence with the planes l0 and hence the-shanks 2at the end of the second manipu-v lation, as shown (Fig. 10).

Thirdly, the terminal pair 2 and 2 now is given an additional pull against the resilient cammingresistance offered between the two contiguous ribs 9. A definite pull overcomes the resilient resistance by causing the ovaled surfaces of the two initially-engaged ribs 9 to climb or cam over and past each other into final interengaged relation (Figs. 11 through 13). As the two ribs 9 undergo this camm'ing action, and each reaches the opposite side of the other, they click down on said opposite sides (still engaging each other) with an audible snap due to the cumulative spring-loaded impact of each rib against the inside contact surface of the shank 2 of the other terminal.

According to the foregoing, the two terminals are now interlocked against disconnection ex cept by a definite and intentional pushing force applied in a direction opposite to that described above and are secured against tendency to loosen due to vibration. Now it is seen that the two flat-plane contact heads I are pulled longitudinally and compressed laterally into tensioned engagement with the inside contact surfaces of both shanks 2, and that the outside contact surfaces of both bowed portions are compressed and clasped with tensioned engagement within and by the inside contact surfaces of the retaining ears 4. This final clasp-connected position of the two ovaled ribs 9 is best seen in Fig. 12 (enlarged view) where the two ribs have cammed by and ,snapped over each other in final latched position.

A definitely audible snap results from the cumulative impact of both spring-loaded camming ribs 9-thus assuring the operator that he has established an effective connection, one which he feels as well as hears, thereby rendering unnecessary an inspection of the fitting and its connected wiring W. Of importance are the relative positions of the pairs of spaced ears 4 and the two contiguous ribs 9 when in finalclasp connected position, comprising new features in this class of duplicate-form terminals for producing electrical connectors.

With the foregoing in mind, it will be observed that the inner angular and bowed resilient end 5 of each terminal shank 2 is tension energized due to the pressure applied by the rigidity of the engaging ears 4 of the other. Consequently, the contacting head i on each bowed portion becomes spring-loaded and, therefore, is maintained under sustained bearing pressure against the fiat inside contact surface of the other terminal shank.

It is important to note that there are number of contacting areas under sustained spring tension when the terminal pair 2 is in final claspconnected relation and that all surfaces are "wiped clean by the sliding pressure of each terminal against the otherthus scraping and dc-oxidizing the contact surfaces. These are important functions which reduce to a minimum the resistance to current fiow through the connector.

The several areas of electrical contact are apparent. For example, the two contact heads;

1 engage each shank, with four ears 4 also engaging each bowed portion, as well as the oval surface of the ribs 9 engaging each other under pressure to make one additional contact. Altogether, there are seven contacting areas under spring-loaded pressure which provides an unusually eifective electrical connection for transmitting current without likelihood of the fitting becoming heated.

It is observed that the two latching shoulder 8, adjacent each contact head '1, thus four in all, come into abutting relation with the outer end edges of the ears 4 when the connector is in final latched position (Figs. 11 through 13). This feature provides for a positive and independent mechanical connection and insures against accidental disconnection.

Also, it is seen that the foregoing construction and mode of operation provides for springloaded undiminished pressure contact between the terminal pair to establish the electrical connection independently of the mechanical connection afforded by the shoulders 8 stopping against the outer ends of the ears 4.

The joined terminals are readily disconnected by reversing the above described manipulation, that is, by longitudinally sliding the two terminals on each other until the ears 4 come back into contiguous relation (Fig. 9) whereupon each terminal can be lifted out of the other (Fig. 8).

In engineering this connector for production, it will be appreciated that the included springloading or energizing angle between the reference lines [6 and [2 (Fig. 5) may be varied. Likewise, the depth or drop of the bowed resilient portion 5 may be varied in relation to the plane ill of the inside contacting surface of the shank -2. These features enable the manufacturer to produce the connector .within chosen tension limits+by which to achieve a maximum or medium or minimum spring-tension contact-without in any way affecting the positive and independent mechanical connection afforded by the shoulders 8 engaging the ears 4.

Finally, it is pointed out that experience had with this invention and successfully testing numerous exemplary forms thereof do not indicate that a wiring mechanic or even a novice is likely to place the two terminals in the wrong position when making an electrical connection. In other words, a pair of terminals 2 only register" for proper feel and snap connection when their hook-like clasping ears 4 are placed toward each other, that is, with the inside contact surfaces facing each other (Fig. 8). It is also obvious that if the outside surface'of one terminal is initially placed toward the inside surface of the other that they do not establish a clasping hold on each other. Thus a person using the connector will immediately turn the two terminals face to face (Fig. 8). However, the scope of the invention-breadth of its novelty, utility and variety of industrial applications in simplifying wiring installations-begets numerous variants in structural form, all of which cannot be illustrated herein. It appears, however, that one modification (Fig. '7) may be preferred by some users due to its ultra fool-proof characteristics next described.

The alternate type of duplicate-form termina shown in Fig. 7

In this second form of the terminal, two of which also are required to produce an electrical connector, a'dditionalornew part numbers are employed on the drawingtdindicate the features which distinguish .it from the V first form .(Figs. .1

through'fi).

Accordingly, the samegeneral form of the previously described shank 2 ishere seen (Fig. 7)tto have the bowed resilient inner terminal end :5 with a contact head of imperforate form and a camming :rib 9. Such :rib hasasmooth halfround contour raised transversely on the inside contact surface of the terminal.

The duplicate-form terminal is here modified bya cut-out neckhaving one edge M curved outward to meet the inner end of an ear [5: at that side edge of the shank i where theear is-formed thereon. The rounding portion M on one side of the notched-out neck -and therounded inner corner of the ear is on the same side are, .in effect, the same in contour as theears tandneckt heretofore described.

The other side of the neck-of this modified form of terminal (Fig. 7) is seen to have a straight cut-out notch it with square corners and also a square-cornered ear i i. In other words, the notched edge HS and the ear ll-may conform in respect to their right-angular shapes shownsquare corners for the notch l-6 and for the ear l1. Thusit is seen that the opposite sidesof the terminal are non-symmetrical, in that the opposite notches-l4 and itdo not match and the same isequally true of the two opposite ears I 5 and IT. The shaped contours shown are byway of example and not critical as tothe species of the invention herein shown.

With the foregoing in mind, it will be observed that a, pair of'terminals-of the Fig. '7 type cannot be placed together in the wrong position. By this is meant that the non-symmetricalneck 14, 46 of one terminal :will not pass through :the spaced ears l5 and ll of another identical terminal to thereby improperly engage. The two terminals, therefore, are required to be turned with their inside contacting surfaces toward each other (the same as in Fig.8), in order to achieve even a preliminary engagement of the two =terminals when clasping them.togetherto make an electrical connector.

In other words, the modified form of terminal (Fig. 7) is fool-proof inthat two of the terminals cannot be so much as initially placed together, even in loose relation, unless their inside contact surfaces are facing each other (Fig. 8). This is due to the fact that the opposite sides of the terminal are distinguished by their non-symmetrical form, and that the cut-out neck l4, [6 of one will only receive the clasping ears I5, I! of the other when placed together in proper relation (Fig. 8).

The two examples of the construction shown amply serve to emphasize the production possibilities in adapting the invention to chosen forms, a number of which may be made in accordance with the principles of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof.

The new principle and operating characteristics of the inner bowed end 5 and its contact head I may be achieved by other simple and equivalent forms of construction susceptible to compression by the rigid ears 4 for the purpose of springloading each twin terminal with equal tensioned energy. For it is by this feature that the twin terminals clasp each other under sustainedpressure contact for effective electrical-current transmission independently of the action of the latching shoulder means 8. Although the contact .10 head i ishownjmperfor-ate, iSllCh .formation 'is by way of example. Accordingly, it .will be appreciated that .compression by .therigid ears 4 may be achieved in otheriformsof inner-cendconstruction of the terminal.

The disclosure herein explains the gprinciples of the invention ,and the best ,mode con-tem-- platedin applying,suchzprinciples, so.as1:to dis tinguish the .inventionrfroni others; and there isxparticularly pointed out and. distinctly. claimed the part, improvement or combination, which constitutes the .invention;or LdlSOQVBf-Y, .as understood by. a comparisonthereofwith the prior :art.

This invention is-presented .to fill. theneedrfor a new .and useful .electrical terminal .clasp icon hector. Since various modifications iin-construc ti'on, mode of operation, useand method,: may and often do occur to others skilled inthe art, za-fte'r' acquaintance .with: .a particular. invention, it. is; to be understand that this disclosure'is exemplary of the principles and of equivalent constructions: without being limited to thepresent-showing :df the invention.

'What isclaimed'is:

.1. An electricalterminal comprising .a straight flatshank. having side edgesias well; as anrinside contact .surfaceand an outside ,contact surface, with a wire=receiving means .at its .outer end, and including a resilient inner tend portion which lie disposed at an angle tothe straight flat .shank and which :is adapted toflex toward thegplanezof said shank, a neck provided in thezterminaLs-a pair of oppositely disposed ears :formed on the side edges and spaced from the insidecontactlsurface of the shank; the two;ears;being-.spaced.al)art a distance not less than thewidth ,OffthBIIRGK, and the two cars also having. inside contactesurfaces parallel with and also spaced from the inside contact surface of the shankadistance greater than the thicknesswof said shank.

2. An electrical terminal according to claimil, in which an ova-led rib-is-formed ,on the resilient inner ehdportion, said rib being raised on :the insideeconta-ctsurface of said resilient: inner end portion, and=disposed transversely ;.of the longit'udinalaxis of the terminal.

3. An electrical terminal according to claim :1, in which the vertex of i the angle, as. made .by the resilient inner end portionwandithe:straight flat. shank, is located proximate the inner :end edges of the-ears.

4. An electrical terminal .acc.oi'ding::to. .claim.1, in which the resilient inner =;end :portion, was formed at an angle to the straight fiat shank, is bowed away from the plane of the inside contact surface of the shank a distance greater than the spacing of the ears from said shank.

5. An electrical terminal according to claim 1, in which the resilient inner end portion, as formed at an angle to the straight fiat shank, is bowed away from the plane of the inside contact surface of the shank a distance greater than the spacing of the ears from said shank, and a contact head with a fiat surface formed on the inner end of the bowed portion, the contact head being spaced from the plane of the shank a distance less than the spacing between the bowed portion and said shank, and the contact head being adapted to flex toward the plane of the shank.

6. An electrical terminal according to claim 1, in which the resilient inner end portion is bowed away from the plane of the inside contact surface of the shank, and a contact head formed at the inner extremity of the bowed resilient portion, the contact head having a flat surface which 11 is spaced from and at an angle to the plane of the inside contact surface of the shank.

'1. The electrical terminal described in claim 6, in which the angle of the flat surface of the contact head is approximately two and one-half (2 degrees.

8. An electrical terminal according to claim 1, in which the neck is formed within the resilient inner end portion, and which neck is thus disposed at an angle to the plane of the straight fiat shank.

9. An electrical terminal according to claim 1, in which the ears are rigidly formed, and a portion of the resilient inner end angular portion is bowed away from the plane of the straight flat shank, and is adapted to be compressed and the curvature of said bow reduced toward said plane.

10. An electrical terminal according to claim 1, in which the ears not only are rigid in themselves, but said ears also impart stiifness to the straight fiat shank at the vertex of theangle, as made by the shank where it meets the resilient inner end portion, thereby providing for flexure of said resilient inner end portion proximate the ears, while the shank holds its straight fiat form from the ears outward to the Wire-receiving means.

11. An electrical connector comprising, in combination, a pair of duplicate-form terminals, each of which has a straight flat shank with a wire-receiving means on its outer end, and including a resilient inner end portion disposed at an angle on each straight flat shank, a neck formed in each terminal adapting the connector to be disengageably connected, ears spaced from the inside surface of the shank a distance not less than the thickness of said shank, said ears being rigid and receiving the neck of the other terminal and flexing each resilient inner angular-end portion into compressed spring-loaded pressure-sustained engagement with both shanks thus establishing an electrical connection, and shoulders 13. An electrical connector according to claim 11, in which a camming rib is formed crosswise on each resilient inner angular-end portion, and in spring-loaded engagement with each other, as well as in spring-loaded engagement with each straight flat shank, and said camming ribs being adapted to climb over each other while springloaded and to produce an audible snap when connecting and disconnecting the terminals.

14. An electrical connector according to claim 11, in which each resilient inner angular-end portion has a bowed formation curved away from the shank of the other terminal, and also in which the rigid ears clasp each bowed formation and compress same aganst the shanks, a camming rib formed crosswise on each resilient inner angular-end portion, and in spring-loaded engagement with each other, as well as in spring-loaded engagement with each straight fiat shank, and said camming ribs being adapted to climb over each other while spring-loaded and to produce an audible snap when connecting and disconnecting the terminals.

15. An electrical connector comprising, in combination, a pair of duplicate-form terminals, each of which has a shank with wire-receiving means, and including a resilient-contact portion capable of being compressed to energize said portion with spring tension, a neck formed on each terminal adapting the terminals to be disengageably connected, and hook-like ears disposed opposite each other and with a space left between them on each terminal for receiving the neck of the other terminal, the ears spaced from the inside surface of the shank a distance not less than the thickness of said shank, said ears being rigid and applying compression to the resilient-contact portion of said each terminal to spring-load both thereof into sustained-pressure contact with each other.

MAXWELL A. GRAHAM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,288,192 Hegenauer June 30, 1 942 2,416,335 Macy Feb. 25, 1947 

